Mom to Mom Blog: My Child’s Addiction Feels Like War

In the contours of his man-face, I still see my own son. The jaw, the nose, the spacing of his eyes. But I know not to be fooled by the familiar façade: I already know there’s somebody else who’s living inside. I’ve been doing battle with this invisible stranger, trying to fight the beast that has wriggled itself underneath my son’s skin, but I am so very weary because it often feels like I’m battling against him. And sometimes when looking into the face of my child, I’m swayed into feeling like I’m on the wrong side.

I want my son to know whom I’m fighting for.

I want my son to know whom I’m fighting against.

And I want my son to know why.

I want my son to know that I want him to win. I want him to live. I want him to come on home. I want my son to know that even though I’m so very weary from this fight, I won’t give up. For him.

Today’s thought from the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation is from the book:

3 thoughts on “Mom to Mom Blog: My Child’s Addiction Feels Like War”

Sandra, don’t give up on your son. You good memories are real and still provide joy. I’m sure that even in his addiction, he wishes he could be the son that you desire of him. If there were an easy way to get back to his old self, he would do it. But the longer the road, the harder it is to turn around. Never give up, there is always hope. And never let him think that there is no hope for a sober life. I will also never give up hope on my son. Inside him is a wonderful but fragile person. Thank you for your posts as having an addicted son is a very lonely life that few can relate to.